WINDERMERE and Ambleside Lions Club has, for many years, been active in raising much-needed funds for local, national and international causes.

The W&A club is a small mixed group of people who come together at a monthly meeting to plot and plan many fundraising activities.

Our most successful event of recent years has been the Classic Vehicle Show at Grasmere. The show has been held each year since 2012 and grows in popularity each time.

This year’s recipients from the funds raised are Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue and Blood Bikes; two very worthy local causes. Previous beneficiaries have included St John's and St Mary’s Hospices, Sight Advice South Lakes and The Calvert Trust, to name but a few.

As well as raising money, our welfare arm often organises events and transport for the senior citizens who reside in the area, many of whom would otherwise miss out on events held at Christmas and various other times of the year.

We often participate at local events such as Ambleside and Grasmere Sports, and also organise the fantastic fireworks display in Rothay Park for Ambleside Christmas Lights.

Additionally, there is a social side to the club and this year saw the successful 'twinning'of Windermere and Ambleside Lions with the Lions club of Limoux, in the fabulous Languedoc region of the south of France. Several members visited Limoux in May and enjoyed not just the fantastic sights and cuisine of the area, but also the spirit of friendship between the two clubs, something that left a lasting impression on those who made the trip.

If you would like a chance to help the community, travel to the south of France and have fun doing so, why not come and join us?

Chris Amos

Secretary, Windermere and Ambleside Lions Club.